Montmorency continues efforts against Hillman

September 26, 2012

ATLANTA - The Montmorency County Board of Commissioners will continue to pursue information on the Hillman Downtown Development Authority. The board approved Commissioner Brock Bagget's efforts to legally move forward with a 3-1 vote. Baggett made two motions during Wednesday's meeting involving the DDA, including paying a $700 fee for a FOIA request.

"We requested information from the (Village of Hillman), but they lawyered up, which is disappointing," Baggett said. "I think we have real issues ... I'm looking for clarity."

Commissioner Daryl Peterson voted against the action, and said the entire issue involving the Hillman DDA is a costly disappointment.

"In my opinion, you're wasting time. The only one benefiting from this are lawyers," Peterson said.

After the $700 fee was approved, Baggett also requested, if necessary, to use the county credit card to make a trip to Lansing to discuss the legality of the DDA.

"The attorney general is going to be involved. The new board isn't going to dismantle this," Baggett said.

The future planned trip to Lansing also passed with a 3-1 vote - Peterson dissented, and Commissioner Bert LaFleche was absent.

"Well, now we're letting it go through the legal system, that's fine," Peterson said. "If you're wrong we'll have to pay the price."